BANQUET

With "BANQUET" LUCIFER'S FRIEND fourth offering,the band no doubt succeeded in captivating anyone with bold,daring listening tastes...The writing is just as intricate{as with their preivious three efforts}but with the added string and horn arrangements a whole new conciousness was achieved by these highly intelligent german musicians...Very nicely sequenced order to the material{which can often "make or break" a recording}"BANQUET" opens with "SPANISH GALLEON' {my personal favorite and just fantastic lyrics!!}}really capturing the feel of it's dubbed title."THUS SPOKE OBERON" follows beautifully{and naturally}with a warm but explosive flavor and intricate choice of notes.JOHN LAWTON is such an underrated vocalist it's sickening that most humans are ignorant to his talents...Next is "HIGH FLYING LADY-GOODBYE"-perfect length for the third piece after two longer numbers but no less extravagent.So rewarding to listen to...The fourth piece "SORROW"{my second favorite!!}Not much to add to GATOT's commentary- just absolutely mandatory listening.A stunning piece of music and lyrical composition."DIRTY OLD TOWN" concludes "BANQUET" and among the five tracks featured is probably the most suitable finishing touch to this most progressive offering.Lots of risks were taken to produce this recording{and they all semed to work!}In a word "BANQUET" by LUCIFER'S FRIEND is perfect!